zenjones

This has always been the hardest week for me—the week where I give up coffee. In fact, I’ve never gone more than a couple days. But this year not drinking coffee has been very useful.

My mornings do not have that driven quality. I usually feel like I can’t do anything ’til I’ve had coffee. But now, the morning unfolds without that imperative. Most mornings, I’ve had a cup of tea, but I don’t get that jolt. So this practice has made coffee a preference, not a demand. And I feel a little less addicted.

I also used to have a cup of coffee every afternoon—I thought it kept me alert. But I had no problem staying alert without it, and even went out and stayed out late a couple nights without coffee.

I head into sesshin tomorrow. It’s lost that far away glow; I’d really rather stay home. But I’m committed. And hoping that the coffee table coordinator brews fresh coffee on Saturday morning!